Mythic Invitational 2019 is Duo Standard. It will take place 3/28-31. Is magic an esport? What is the meta for Duo Standard? How well do streamers compete?
@Mods: Probably worth a preemptive "No Turtenwald" talk, no? We all know how allowing that discussion will wind up...
On to the questions above. I hate the term eSports. These are games, not sports. Not sure what to expect of the meta. I have a hunch the pros do and will come well prepared for the "more simple" approach I expect out of the streamers, who Im not expecting much from playing a slew of HOFers
@Mods: Probably worth a preemptive "No Turtenwald" talk, no? We all know how allowing that discussion will wind up...
On to the questions above. I hate the term eSports. These are games, not sports. Not sure what to expect of the meta. I have a hunch the pros do and will come well prepared for the "more simple" approach I expect out of the streamers, who Im not expecting much from playing a slew of HOFers
Yes, good point. Owen Turtenwald is not attending the tournament. Discussing that lack of attendance is off-topic for this thread.
As for the Duo format, Frank Karsten did a game theoretical analysis here. He concluded that running two aggro decks was not a good solution. The first round could be taken to suggest that this analysis is correct as a streamer with two aggro decks was quickly defeated. But it really showed that being mana screwed sucks. I still think the analysis is sound and having two similar decks is incorrect unless you break it with a deck that beats the entire expected meta.
I feel like the meta is a somewhat known quantity and I kind of expect them to play something more midrange-esque in general. Standard right now feels like it heavily rewards whoever is "asking the question" because the answers are varied. thief of sanity seems like an absolute house in this format imho, especially if he's digging into protection or interaction for you.
As I understand it, Bo1 Standard heavily punishes midrange decks, as without sideboarding, they have bad cards for any matchup. The analysis I have seen is that linear decks and control are favored.
Duo Standard opens up the possibility of a midrange deck slanted against aggro as one solution. In very limited viewing, I have seen some Mono-R + Esper pairings, but Selesnya Tokens and Golgari Midrange have appeared and shown good results.
The Esper Control (Savjz) vs Mono Red (kanister) was excellent. One of the best matches of the weekend! Overall I love the way Arena has changed magic, and I'm looking forward to grinding arena! Bo1 wasn't my method of achieving mythic but it might have to be a greater focus going forward.
Coverage will begin at 10:00am ET (7:00am PT).
Information for the event is here.
Coverage for the event is here.
You can discuss the event below. Please remain on topic. Off-topic posts will be marked as spam.
Thanks!
-- hoser2
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
On to the questions above. I hate the term eSports. These are games, not sports. Not sure what to expect of the meta. I have a hunch the pros do and will come well prepared for the "more simple" approach I expect out of the streamers, who Im not expecting much from playing a slew of HOFers
As for the Duo format, Frank Karsten did a game theoretical analysis here. He concluded that running two aggro decks was not a good solution. The first round could be taken to suggest that this analysis is correct as a streamer with two aggro decks was quickly defeated. But it really showed that being mana screwed sucks. I still think the analysis is sound and having two similar decks is incorrect unless you break it with a deck that beats the entire expected meta.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
Duo Standard opens up the possibility of a midrange deck slanted against aggro as one solution. In very limited viewing, I have seen some Mono-R + Esper pairings, but Selesnya Tokens and Golgari Midrange have appeared and shown good results.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
Modern: Decks I'm playing right now:
G Mono Green Tron (34-10-3 paper record, only SCG/Regionals/PPTQ record)
C Eldrazi Tron (9-5)
UG Infect
RW Burn